Russian Zlatoust Decorated Dagger with Gilt Ornament, 1886

4500€

A Russian decorated dagger with etched and gilt ornament, inscribed “Zlatoust 1886” on the blade, with matching decorated hilt and scabbard mounts. Overall length 38 cm.

In stock

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Description

A Russian decorated dagger, dated 1886, associated with Zlatoust arms production.

The double-edged steel blade has a central fuller and is decorated at the forte with etched and gilt scrolling ornament. The inscription on the blade reads “Zlatoust 1886”, referring to the famous Russian arms-making centre of Zlatoust in the Urals. Zlatoust workshops were especially known in the 19th century for decorated edged weapons, combining steel blades with etched, blued and gilt ornament in a distinctive Russian historicist taste.

The hilt is richly decorated with gilt scrolling designs, stippled grounds and darkened metal surfaces. The straight crossguard has gilt terminals and a dotted decorative band. The scabbard is covered in brown leather or leather-like material and mounted with matching decorated metal fittings, including a throat with suspension ring and a chape with gilt ornamental scrollwork.

The overall appearance suggests a ceremonial, presentation or decorative dagger rather than a plain utilitarian weapon, made in the tradition of 19th-century Russian Zlatoust ornamental arms.

Material:
Steel blade, decorated metal mounts, gilding, leather-covered scabbard.

Inscription:
“Zlatoust 1886” on the blade.

Origin:
Russian Empire, Zlatoust.

Period:
1886.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 38 cm.
Blade length: 23.8 cm.
Blade width at base: 3.7 cm.

Condition:
Age-related wear, oxidation, spotting and patina to the blade and mounts, rubbing and losses to gilding, wear to the scabbard covering and traces of use. Condition is shown in the photographs.